US6707796B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System device and method for reducing forwarding states in a communication system
Assignee: RPX Clearinghouse LLC
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Filing: 1999-05-07
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Granted: 2004-03-16
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Expires: 2019-05-07
Abstract
Abstract A system, device, and method for reducing forwarding states in a network domain designates a forwarding device to forward multicast packets for the (source, group) pair. A number of (source, group) pairs may be aggregated to form an aggregated (source, group) pair that is rooted at the forwarding device. For each multicast packet forwarded by the forwarding device, the forwarding device inserts an option field identifying the forwarding device. Interior devices in the network domain forward multicast packets based upon at least the forwarding device identified in the option field of the multicast packet, particularly by maintaining a list of forwarding devices in the network domain and electing a designated forwarding device from which to receive multicast packets. The interior devices forward multicast packets received from the designated forwarding device, and drop multicast packets received from other forwarding devices.
Inventors
- 👤 Yunzhou Li
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 15:52
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L12/00; H04L12/02; H04L12/16; H04L12/18; H04L12/185; H04L45/00; H04L45/02; H04L45/04; H04L45/16; H04L45/48; H04L45/54; H04L12/1863; H04L12/1877; H04L12/1881
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 93
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
A method for reducing forwarding states by a device in a network domain of a communication system, the method comprising: receiving a multicast packet for a (source,group) pair; determining whether the device is the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair by maintaining a list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair and determining the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair from among the multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices based upon a predetermined priority scheme; wherein each multicast source proxy device in the list of multicast source proxy devices is associated with priority information indicating a relative priority for the multicast source proxy device to be the designated multicast source proxy device wherein the priority information comprises at least one of: a predetermined metric indicating preference value a number of device hops from the multicast source proxy device to a multicast source for the (source, group) pair; and an Internet Protocol address for the multicast source proxy device.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
175 words
A method for reducing forwarding states by a device in a network domain of a communication system, the method comprising: receiving a multicast packet for a (source,group) pair; determining whether the device is the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair by maintaining a list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair and determining the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair from among the multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices based upon a predetermined priority scheme; wherein each multicast source proxy device in the list of multicast source proxy devices is associated with priority information indicating a relative priority for the multicast source proxy device to be the designated multicast source proxy device wherein the priority information comprises at least one of: a predetermined metric indicating preference value a number of device hops from the multicast source proxy device to a multicast source for the (source, group) pair; and an Internet Protocol address for the multicast source proxy device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
98 words
The method of claim 1 , comprising: determining whether to accept the multicast packet,wherein the step of determining whether the device is a designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair, is performed once the multicast packet is accepted; inserting an option field into the multicast packet, if the device is the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair, the option field including a device identifier identifying the device; and forwarding the multicast packet including the option field, if the device is the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 2 , wherein the multicast packet is an interdomain multicast packet including an option field from another routing domain, and wherein determining whether to accept the multicast packet comprises: accepting the multicast packet and removing the option field from the multicast packet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 2 , wherein the multicast packet is an interdomain multicast packet including an option field from another routing domain, and wherein determining whether to accept the multicast packet comprises: dropping the multicast packet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 2 , further comprising: determining that the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair has failed; inserting the option field into the multicast packet, the option field including the device identifier identifying the device and further including an indicator indicating that the designated multicast source proxy device has failed; and forwarding the multicast packet including the option field.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein maintaining the list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair comprises: maintaining an index entry for the (source, group) pair; and maintaining a multicast source proxy entry for each multicast source proxy device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 6 , wherein maintaining the list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair comprises: creating a multicast source proxy entry for the device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 6 , wherein the multicast packet includes an option field identifying another multicast source proxy device in the network domain, and wherein maintaining the list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair comprises: creating a multicast source proxy entry for the other multicast source proxy device based upon the option field in the multicast packet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the priority information, and wherein determining the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) air from among the multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices comprises electing as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the highest relative priority.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
162 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein determining the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair from among the multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices comprises: electing as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value, if only one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value; electing as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value and the lowest metric, if more than one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value and only one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric; and selecting as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value, the lowest metric, and the lowest Internet Protocol address, if more than one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value and the lowest metric.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1 , comprising: receiving the multicast packet; decapsulating the multicast packet; decrypting the decapsulated multicast packet; inserting the option field into the decrypted multicast packet; and forwarding the multicast packet including the option field.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
241 words
A device for reducing forwarding states in a network domain of a communication system, the device comprising: receiving logic operably coupled to receive a multicast packet for a (source, group) pair; multicast source proxy logic operably coupled to determine whether to accept the multicast packet and to insert an option field into the multicast packet if the device is a designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair, wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to maintain a list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair and determine the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair from among the multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices based upon a predetermined priority scheme, wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to associate each multicast source proxy device in the list of multicast source proxy devices with priority information indicating a relative priority for the multicast source proxy device to be the designated multicast source proxy device, wherein the priority information comprises at least one of a predetermined metric preference value indicating a number of device hops from the multicast source proxy device to a multicast source for the (source, group) pair; and an Internet Protocol address for the multicast source proxy device; and forwarding logic responsive to the receiving logic and operably coupled to forward the multicast packet including the option field identifying the device.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
241 words
A device for reducing forwarding states in a network domain of a communication system, the device comprising: receiving logic operably coupled to receive a multicast packet for a (source, group) pair; multicast source proxy logic operably coupled to determine whether to accept the multicast packet and to insert an option field into the multicast packet if the device is a designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair, wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to maintain a list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair and determine the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair from among the multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices based upon a predetermined priority scheme, wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to associate each multicast source proxy device in the list of multicast source proxy devices with priority information indicating a relative priority for the multicast source proxy device to be the designated multicast source proxy device, wherein the priority information comprises at least one of a predetermined metric preference value indicating a number of device hops from the multicast source proxy device to a multicast source for the (source, group) pair; and an Internet Protocol address for the multicast source proxy device; and forwarding logic responsive to the receiving logic and operably coupled to forward the multicast packet including the option field identifying the device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 12 , comprising a border device in a routing domain.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 13 , comprising: the forwarding logic operably coupled to forward the multicast packet including the option field, if the device is the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
47 words
The device of claim 14 , wherein the multicast packet is an interdomain multicast packet including an option field from another routing domain and wherein the multicast source. proxy logic is operably coupled to accept the multicast packet and remove the option field from the multicast packet.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 14 , wherein the multicast packet is an interdomain multicast packet including an option field from another network domain, and wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to drop the multicast packet.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
47 words
The device of claim 14 , wherein the multicast packet is an intradomain multicast packet including an option field from another network domain, and wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to accept the multicast packet and remove the option field from the multicast packet.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 12 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to maintain an index entry for the (source, group) pair and a multicast source proxy entry for each multicast source proxy device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 18 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to create a multicast source proxy entry for the device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
57 words
The device of claim 18 , wherein the multicast packet includes an option field identifying another multicast source proxy device in the network domain, and wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to create a multicast source proxy entry for the other multicast source proxy device based upon the option field in the multicast packet.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 12 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to elect as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the highest relative priority.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
146 words
The device of claim 21 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to elect electing as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value, if only one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value; to elect as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value and the lowest metric, if more than one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value and only one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric; and to elect as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value, the lowest metric, and the lowest Internet Protocol address, if more than one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value and the lowest metric.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
66 words
The device of claim 12 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to determine that the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair has failed and to insert the option field into the multicast packet, the option field including the device identifier identifying the device and further including an indicator indicating that the designated multicast source proxy device has failed.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 12 , comprising a security broker in a routing domain.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
55 words
The device of claim 24 , comprising: the receiving logic operably coupled to receive the multicast packet; decapsulating logic operably coupled to decapsulate the multicast packet; decryption logic operably coupled to decrypt the decapsulated multicast packet; and the forwarding logic operably coupled to forward the decrypted multicast packet including the option field identifying the device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
252 words
A program product comprising a computer readable medium having embodied therein a computer program for reducing forwarding states by a device in a network domain of a communication system, the computer program comprising: receiving logic programmed to receive a multicast packet for a (source, group) pair, multicast source proxy logic programmed to determine whether to accept the multicast packet and to insert an option field into the multicast packet if the device is a designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) par; wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to maintain a list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair and determine the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair from among the multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices based upon a predetermined priority scheme wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to associated each multicast source proxy device in the list of multicast source proxy devices with priority information indicating a relative priority for the multicast source proxy device to be the designated multicast source proxy device, wherein the priority information comprises at least one of a predetermined metric preference value indicating a number of device hops from the multicast source proxy device to a multicast source for the (source, group) pair, and an Internet Protocol address for the multicast source proxy device, and forwarding logic responsive to the receiving logic and programmed to forward the multicast packet including the option field identifying the device.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
252 words
A program product comprising a computer readable medium having embodied therein a computer program for reducing forwarding states by a device in a network domain of a communication system, the computer program comprising: receiving logic programmed to receive a multicast packet for a (source, group) pair, multicast source proxy logic programmed to determine whether to accept the multicast packet and to insert an option field into the multicast packet if the device is a designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) par; wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to maintain a list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair and determine the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair from among the multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices based upon a predetermined priority scheme wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to associated each multicast source proxy device in the list of multicast source proxy devices with priority information indicating a relative priority for the multicast source proxy device to be the designated multicast source proxy device, wherein the priority information comprises at least one of a predetermined metric preference value indicating a number of device hops from the multicast source proxy device to a multicast source for the (source, group) pair, and an Internet Protocol address for the multicast source proxy device, and forwarding logic responsive to the receiving logic and programmed to forward the multicast packet including the option field identifying the device.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The program product of claim 26 , wherein the device is a border device in a routing domain.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
36 words
The program product of claim 27 , comprising: the forwarding logic programmed to forward the multicast packet including the option field, if the device is the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
47 words
The program product of claim 28 , wherein the multicast packet is an interdomain multicast packet including an option field from another routing domain, and wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to accept the multicast packet and remove the option field from the multicast packet.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
38 words
The program product of claim 28 , wherein the multicast packet is an interdomain multicast packet including an option field from another network domain, and wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programed to drop the multicast packet.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
47 words
The program product of claim 28 , wherein the multicast packet is an intradomain multicast packet including an option field from another network domain, and wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to accept the multicast packet and remove the option field from the multicast packet.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
37 words
The program product of claim 26 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to maintain an index entry for the (source, group) pair and a multicast source proxy entry for each multicast source proxy device.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
The program product of claim 32 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to create a multicast source proxy entry for the device.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
57 words
The program product of claim 32 , wherein the multicast packet includes an option field identifying another multicast source proxy device in the network domain, and wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programed to create a multicast source proxy entry for the other multicast source proxy device based upon the option field in the multicast packet.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
33 words
The program product of claim 26 wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to elect as the designated multicast source Proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the highest relative priority.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
146 words
The program product of claim 35 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programed to elect electing as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value, if only one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value; to elect as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value and the lowest metric, if more than one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value and only one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric; and to elect as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value, the lowest metric, and the lowest Internet Protocol address, if more than one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value and the lowest metric.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
66 words
The program product of claim 26 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to determine that the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair has failed and to insert the option field into the multicast packet, the option field including the device identifier identifying the device and further including an indicator indicating that the designated multicast source proxy device has failed.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
The program product of claim 26 , wherein the device is a security broker in a routing domain.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
52 words
The program product of claim 38 , comprising: the receiving logic programmed to receive the multicast packet; decapsulating logic programmed to decapsulate the multicast packet; decryption logic programmed to decrypt the decapsulated multicast packet; and the forwarding logic programmed to forward the decrypted multicast packet including the option field identifying the device.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for reducing forwarding states by an interior device in a network domain of a communication system, the method comprising: receiving a multicast packet for the (source, group) pair, wherein the multicast packet includes an option field identifying a border device in the routing domain, and wherein the option field further includes a source mask for the (source, group) pair; determining whether the (source, group) pair is under multicast source proxy control; and determining whether to accept the multicast packet based upon a designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair, if the (source, group) pair is under multicast source proxy control.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for reducing forwarding states by an interior device in a network domain of a communication system, the method comprising: receiving a multicast packet for the (source, group) pair, wherein the multicast packet includes an option field identifying a border device in the routing domain, and wherein the option field further includes a source mask for the (source, group) pair; determining whether the (source, group) pair is under multicast source proxy control; and determining whether to accept the multicast packet based upon a designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair, if the (source, group) pair is under multicast source proxy control.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein determining whether to accept the multicast packet comprises: determining whether the border device is the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 41 , wherein determining whether the border device is the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair comprises: maintaining a list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair; and determining the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair from among the multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices based upon a predetermined priority scheme.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 42 , wherein maintaining the list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair comprises: maintaining an index entry for the (source, group) pair; and maintaining a multicast source proxy entry for each multicast source proxy device.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 43 , wherein maintaining the list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair comprises: creating a multicast source proxy entry for the border device.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
91 words
The method of claim 42 , wherein each multicast source proxy device in the list of multicast source proxy devices is associated with priority information indicating a relative priority for the multicast source proxy device to be the designated multicast source proxy device, and wherein determining the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair from among the multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices comprises electing as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the highest relative priority.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 45 , wherein the priority information comprises at least one of: a predetermined metric preference value; a predetermined metric indicating a number of device hops from the multicast source proxy device to a multicast source for the (source, group) pair; and an Internet Protocol address for the multicast source proxy device.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
162 words
The method of claim 46 , wherein determining the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair from among the multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices comprises: electing as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value, if only one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value; electing as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value and the lowest metric, if more than one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value and only one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric; and electing as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value, the lowest metric, and the lowest Internet Protocol address, if more than one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value and the lowest metric.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
101 words
The method of claim 42 , wherein the option field further includes an indicator indicating the designated multicast source proxy device has failed, and wherein determining whether to accept the multicast packet comprises: removing the designated multicast source proxy device from the list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair; determining a new designated multicast source proxy device from among the remaining multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair; and determining whether the border device is the new designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 41 , comprising: receiving the multicast packet including the option field identifying the border device in the routing domain; determining that the border device is the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair; and accepting the multicast packet.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 41 , comprising: receiving the multicast packet including the option field identifying the border device in the routing domain; determining that the border device is not the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair; and dropping the multicast packet.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 40 , further comprising: maintaining a source mask for the (source, group) pair; and updating the source mask for the (source, group) pair based upon the source mask in the option field of the multicast packet.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
75 words
The method of claim 51 , wherein updating the source mask for the (source, group) based upon the source mask in the option field of the multicast packet comprises: setting the source mask for the (source, group) pair equal to the source mask in the option field of the multicast packet, if the source mask in the option field of the multicast packet is more specific than the source mask for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
107 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein determining whether to accept the multicast packet comprises: determining a metric for the interior device indicating a number of device hops from the interior device to a multicast source for the (source, group) pair; determining the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair; determining a metric for the designated multicast source proxy device; determining whether the metric for the interior device is better than the metric for the designated multicast source proxy device; and accepting the multicast packet, if the metric for the interior device is better than the metric for the designated multicast source proxy device.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
24 words
The method of claims 40 , further comprising: forwarding the multicast packet by the interior device, if the interior device accepts the multicast packet.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
90 words
A device for reducing forwarding states in a network domain of a communication system, the device comprising: receiving logic operably coupled to receive a multicast packet for a (source, group) pair, wherein the multicast packet includes an option field identifying a border device in the network domain and wherein the option field further includes a source mask for the (source, group) pair; and multicast source proxy logic operably coupled to determine whether to accept the multicast packet based upon a designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
90 words
A device for reducing forwarding states in a network domain of a communication system, the device comprising: receiving logic operably coupled to receive a multicast packet for a (source, group) pair, wherein the multicast packet includes an option field identifying a border device in the network domain and wherein the option field further includes a source mask for the (source, group) pair; and multicast source proxy logic operably coupled to determine whether to accept the multicast packet based upon a designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 55 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to determine whether the border device is the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
63 words
The device of claim 56 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to maintain a list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair and determine the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair from among the multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices based upon a predetermined priority scheme.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 57 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to maintain an index entry for the (source, group) pair and a multicast source proxy entry for each multicast source proxy device.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 58 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to create a multicast source proxy entry for the border device.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
80 words
The device of claim 57 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to associated each multicast source proxy device in the list of multicast source proxy devices with priority information indicating a relative priority for the multicast source proxy device to be the designated multicast source proxy device, and wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to elect as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the highest relative priority.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
55 words
The device of claim 60 , wherein the priority information comprises at least one of: a predetermined metric preference value; a predetermined metric indicating a number of device hops from the multicast source proxy device to a multicast source for the (source, group) pair; and an Internet Protocol address for the multicast source proxy device.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
145 words
The device of claim 61 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to elect as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value, if only one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value; to elect as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value and the lowest metric, if more than one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value and only one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric; and to elect as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value, the lowest metric, and the lowest Internet Protocol address, if more than one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value and the lowest metric.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
102 words
The device of claim 57 , wherein the option field further includes an indicator indicating the designated multicast source proxy device has failed, and wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to remove the designated multicast source proxy device from the list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair, determine a new designated multicast source proxy device from among the remaining multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair, and determine whether the border device is the new designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 56 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to accept the multicast packet if the border device is the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 56 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to drop the multicast packet if the border device is not the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
48 words
The device of claim 55 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to maintain a source mask for the (source, group) pair and update the source mask for the (source, group) pair based upon the source mask in the option field of the multicast packet.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
62 words
The device of claim 66 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to set the source mask for the (source, group) pair equal to the source mask in the option field of the multicast packet, if the source mask in the option field of the multicast packet is more specific than the source mask for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
67 words
The device of claim 55 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is operably coupled to determine a metric for the interior device indicating a number of device hops from the interior device to a multicast source for the (source, group) pair and to accept the multicast packet if the metric for the interior device is better than a metric for the designated multicast source proxy device.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 55 , further comprising: forwarding logic responsive to the multicast source proxy logic and operably coupled to forward the multicast packet, if the interior device accepts the multicast packet.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
105 words
A program product comprising a computer readable medium having embodied therein a computer program for reducing forwarding states by an interior device in a network domain of a communication system, the computer program comprising: receiving logic programed to receive a multicast packet for a (source, group) pair, wherein the multicast packet includes an option field identifying a border device in the network domain and wherein the option field further includes a source mask for the (source, group) pair; and multicast source proxy logic programmed to determine whether to accept the multicast packet based upon a designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
105 words
A program product comprising a computer readable medium having embodied therein a computer program for reducing forwarding states by an interior device in a network domain of a communication system, the computer program comprising: receiving logic programed to receive a multicast packet for a (source, group) pair, wherein the multicast packet includes an option field identifying a border device in the network domain and wherein the option field further includes a source mask for the (source, group) pair; and multicast source proxy logic programmed to determine whether to accept the multicast packet based upon a designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
33 words
The program product of claim 70 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to determine whether the border device is the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
63 words
The program product of claim 71 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to maintain a list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair and determine the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair from among the multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices based upon a predetermined priority scheme.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
37 words
The program product of claim 72 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to maintain an index entry for the (source, group) pair and a multicast source proxy entry for each multicast source proxy device.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
26 words
The program product of claim 73 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to create a multicast source proxy entry for the border device.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
79 words
The program product of claim 72 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to associated each multicast source proxy device in the list of multicast source proxy devices with priority information indicating a relative priority for the multicast source proxy device to be the designated multicast source proxy device, and wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to elect as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the highest relative priority.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
56 words
The program product of claim 75 , wherein the priority information comprises at least one of: a predetermined metric preference value; a predetermined metric indicating a number of device hops from the multicast source proxy device to a multicast source for the (source, group) pair; and a Internet Protocol address for the multicast source proxy device.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
145 words
The program product of claim 76 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to elect as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value, if only one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value; to elect as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value and the lowest metric, if more than one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value and only one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric; and to elect as the designated multicast source proxy device the multicast source proxy device having the lowest metric preference value, the lowest metric, and the lowest Internet Protocol address, if more than one multicast source proxy device has the lowest metric preference value and the lowest metric.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
102 words
The program product of claim 72 , wherein the option field further includes an indicator indicating the designated multicast source proxy device has failed, and wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to remove the designated multicast source proxy device from the list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair, determine a new designated multicast source proxy device from among the remaining multicast source proxy devices in the list of multicast source proxy devices for the (source, group) pair, and determine whether the border device is the new designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
36 words
The program product of claim 71 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to accept the multicast packet if the border device is the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
37 words
The program product of claim 71 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to drop the multicast packet if the border device is not the designated multicast source proxy device for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
48 words
The program product of claim 70 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to maintain a source mask for the (source, group) pair and update the source mask for the (source, group) pair based upon the source mask in the option, field of the multicast packet.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
62 words
The program product of claim 81 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to set the source mask for the (source, group) pair equal to the source mask in the option field of the multicast packet, if the source mask in the option field of the multicast packet is more specific than the source mask for the (source, group) pair.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
67 words
The program product of claim 70 , wherein the multicast source proxy logic is programmed to determine a metric for the interior device indicating a number of device hops from the interior device to a multicast source for the (source, group) pair and to accept the multicast packet if the metric for the interior device is better than a metric for the designated multicast source proxy device.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
33 words
The program product of claim 70 , further comprising: forwarding logic responsive to the multicast source proxy logic and programmed to forward the multicast packet, if the interior device accepts the multicast packet.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
76 words
A communication system comprising at least one forwarding device in communication with a number of interior devices, wherein the forwarding device forwards a multicast packet for a (source, group) pair, the multicast packet including an option field identifying the forwarding device and including a source mask for the (source, group) pair, and wherein each interior device forwards the multicast packet based upon at least the forwarding device identified in the option field of the multicast packet.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
76 words
A communication system comprising at least one forwarding device in communication with a number of interior devices, wherein the forwarding device forwards a multicast packet for a (source, group) pair, the multicast packet including an option field identifying the forwarding device and including a source mask for the (source, group) pair, and wherein each interior device forwards the multicast packet based upon at least the forwarding device identified in the option field of the multicast packet.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
51 words
The communication system of claim 85 ; wherein each interior device determines a designated forwarding device from among the at least one forwarding device in the network domain and forwards the multicast packet if the forwarding device identified in the option field of the multicast packet is the designated forwarding device.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-03-16 | 2007-09-15 | 2008-03-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-03-16 | 2011-09-15 | 2012-03-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-03-16 | 2015-09-15 | 2016-03-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |